A fan of tattoos, Harry Potter, and Dewey

HarryPotterTattoo-w375.jpg



Overview of Dewey
Introduction to Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) System, Edition 15, from OCLC http://www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/abridged.en.html
Dewey Decimal Hotlist for Librarians http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listthedeweli.html


Do I have the right Dewey number?
Double-check to see if the number you have assigned an in with general convention.
  • In real life you would see if the item fits in the location of similar items in your current collection.
  • Go to OCLC Classify (see below), type in the subject of the item in the subject box. Select a title that is close to the one you are classifying. When you click on the title of the item, it will tell you the percentage of books cataloged with a particular Dewey number.
  • Use the Sears database in JCKL or a copy cataloging source for verification of the Dewey number you have selected.

Assigning Dewey Numbers

The easiest way to assign Dewey numbers is to borrow a copy of Abridged Dewey (the most current version is edition 15 (2012). Another way is to borrow a Sears List of Subject Headings (the most recent being the 20th edition (2010). If neither of those options are easily available to you, and you don’t have access to the Sears database at JCKL, then the Web sites below offer other ways to find ways to assign a Dewey number.

  • OCLC Classify - http://classify.oclc.org/classify2/
    most common use
    • Click on the tab "Title/Author" or "Subject"
    • Type in a main topic of the item being cataloged
    • Click on "search"
    • Find a title in the result list similar to the item being cataloged
    • Click on the title link
      • Will give you the most common Dewey number assigned to this title
      • Will give you the most common subject headings assigned to this title

  • Dewey Decimal Numbers. Appleton (WI) Public Libraries. http://apl.org/infosoup/dewey.
    • This doesn't replace a Sears List of Subject Headings or abridged Dewey, but the list is very useful for finding a Dewey number associated with a particular subject heading


Searching by Dewey Number
  • To find out what subject corresponds to a Dewey number
    • Search Access Pennsylvania by Dewey numbers http://205.247.101.11/search~S1/
    • Search Link+ catalog by Dewey number http://csul.iii.com/search/m
    • Search dewey.info -- a listing of the top three levels of DDC -- type in the Dewey number and it will tell you what that number represents in DDC -- e.g. search and you will find out that it stands for American fiction. The easiest way to use Dewey Info is to use your regular search engine and type in a search like <782.1 Dewey> and select the result that is <Dewey Decimal Classification: 782.1 - Dewey.info>. This would tell you that 781.1 is not only the classification for opera but it would also tell you the Dewey number for even more specific numbers regarding operatic topics.782.1.png

Teaching Dewey

LM_NET
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 6:45 AM
Someone posted the Dewey Decimal Rap on this listserv a while ago, and I tucked it away for future use.

Now that I am teaching the DDS to my 5th graders, I found the link again and have been playing it. Since the tune is so darned catchy and the kids were singing along with it, I came up with the idea of offering a can of Mountain DEW to each student who could memorize the 10 categories and either sing or recite that part of the song to me.

The result has been phenomenal!! Out of 50 fifth graders, 25 have already successfully completed the challenge and many others are still practicing. And this has only been since Monday! I take a picture of each student with his can of Mountain Dew for a slideshow on my website, and then post his name in the hallway outside my door. The whole school is buzzing about it!

I realize that a can of Mountain DEW is not the most ideal gift. I hate the idea of the sugar and the caffeine myself, but I did clear the promotion with my principal first to get his support. You have no idea what a HUGE incentive the soda is to my students, though!

Here is a link to my library's website. The rap itself is there, as well as some pictures of my excited students:
http://www.camdenschools.org/webpages/sdelosh/library_curriculum.cfm?subpage=25307



Shelley DeLosh
McConnellsville Elementary School
Blossvale, NY
sdelosh@camdenschools.or